Wild and Wonderful Scotland

Hey there, this is Meghan! 

I am here to narrate the wonderful country of Scotland, the second stop on our adventure this month. 

About a year and a half ago, I sat next to Bri on a flight to Scotland. After falling in love with the country, we both absolutely wanted (closer to needed) to go back. We decided to start in Edinburgh, not quite knowing what to expect in the city.

 Quickly, we both agreed we felt like we were in a Potter novel. The castle! The winding streets! The cozy pubs! Sadly we did not run into famous wizards, but we did however get to see where JK sat to create the novels we've read and reread and reread!

 We weaved through bookstores, chatted with a cheesemonger, and of course sampled the famous whisky, haggis (vegetarian haggis that is), and sticky toffee pudding of the region. 

We walked up Calton Hill and climbed up Arthurs seat for the best views of the city.

 Next we craved the Highlands, where we explored Scotland on out last trip. The first glimpse of Loch Lomond confirmed my memory. Scotland is still the most beautiful place I have ever had the chance to see, the most beautiful spot I have ever been blessed to stand. 

Scotland is wild and wonderful and will forever be in my heart.  

Also, there is nothing quite like not being able to understand someone speaking in your own language...  But not to worry, you can always smile and nod and try to throw in a cheers! 

Meghan

Seeking Adventure in Scotland

This past fall, I had the opportunity to travel abroad for the first time. Our group voyaged to Scotland to hike the West Highland Way, a 96 mile trek along side rolling hills, towering mountains, dense woodland and deep Lochs (lakes).

Top of Conic Hill overlooking Loch Lomond

 I distinctly remember feeling a sense of admiration during my time in Scotland. My eyes were all of wide with wonder as they kept discovering new sights never seen before. My ears felt rich with diverse languages and accents being conversed around me. The feeling of being a foreigner in a land I’ve never been was such a humbling experience. 

Beginning of the West Highland Way

Hiking the highlands only intensified that feeling. For once, I felt like a true traveler, wandering uncharted territory. Our journey began in Milngavie, a small town just outside Glasgow and ended in Fort Williams, a bustling settlement in the Highlands of Scotland. 

Highland Hikers

Our days ranged from 9-19 miles of hiking from one bed and breakfast to the next.

Nights were spend relaxing in the pubs, where we mingled with the locals and even got a private bagpipe show from a Scottish pub owner named Stuart.

Top of Devil's Staircase

The most anticipated stage of the West Highland Way occurred on one of our last hiking days. The Devil's Staircase begins with a steep climb leading up and out of majestic Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s iconic Highlands valleys, followed by a long descent to the town of Kinlochieven.

"On the Bonnie Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond."

Traveling to Scotland, and hiking the West Highland Way very much deepened my curiosity to see and experience the rest of the world. I highly recommend anyone to take this trek or a section of it at the least! 

If you have any further questions about my journey, don't hesitate to ask!